Bunk Beds Are Cooler Than Ever

If you're designing a shared bedroom for your children or putting together a dorm room, or simply looking to maximize your space, bunk beds are versatile and more stylish than ever. There are many designs to think about, including twin-over-twin and full-over-full models.

Select a bunk bed that fits within your budget and the dimensions of your child's bedroom. Some bunk beds accommodate trundle mattresses in the bottom to accommodate sleepovers.

Size

Bunk beds are a staple of the bedrooms of children, offering both comfort and excitement for kids who want to sleep side by side. They're also a popular choice for shared rooms and vacation homes. Bunk beds come in a range of styles and materials, with options that will fit any budget and size of room. Our bunk bed picks range from basic twin over twin designs to more elaborate models that include stairs or ladders and unique features such as slides.

We weighed a range of factors when we searched the market for our top picks including the overall design, safety, and price. We also consulted parents and a person who wrote the book about bunk beds to help us find the most suitable choices. Read on to discover our seven favorites.

The size of bunk beds is an important factor to consider prior to purchasing a bed, especially when it comes to the ceiling's height. Make sure you measure your space prior to buying bunk beds to ensure they are sized correctly. The top bunk should have at least five inches of headroom. We also suggest avoid trundle beds that have mattresses with a high hanging which may limit headroom and increase the chance of bumped heads.

Another consideration is whether you prefer stairs or ladders for access to the top bunk. Stairs can be more easy to climb and safer, however they will take up more space on the floor than ladders. Ladders are smaller and cost-effective, however they may feel too steep for younger children.

On the product page you'll see the weight capacity of every top bunk mattress. The majority of manufacturers will list this information in the mattress dimensions. A higher capacity for weight typically indicates that the mattress is suitable for older children or adults, who might require a bigger mattress.

A versatile bunk bed option, the Shyann bunk bed from Room & Board offers three finishes to complement your kids bunk bed bedroom decor. White snow brings a vibrant coastal look to a classic kids' room while brushed gray and rich walnut add warmth and sophistication to a rustic or farmhouse style.

Safety

When shopping for a bunk bed, it's important to look beyond the price and ensure that it comes with all the safety features you need. A reputable seller will list the capacity of the bed and provide a description of the structure's durability and strength, which is especially helpful for families that plan on reusing their beds as their children get older.

A good rule of the thumb is to leave at least 33-36 inches between the top of the mattress and the ceiling, says Rebecca Simon, a designer with Maison Ellie Interiors for Kids. If you don't wish to sacrifice that much space, you might prefer a low height bunk bed. "That's a great option for a small room as it keeps the lower bunk off the floor. That can feel cramped when kids bunk beds become older."

Another consideration is deciding the amount of space you have for stairs or ladders. While a bunk with built-in stairs could reduce space, it can also be costly and require more assembly time. If you're limited on space, go for an easy ladder that allows your children to safely climb to the top of the bunk.

The bunks listed on this list have solid construction and comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's requirements for guardrails. These bunks also have passed lead and anti-tip tests which is a great relief for parents of children who share a room. For instance, the wood-and-metal Room & Board model is "built like tank," says Laura Fenton, author of The Bunk Bed Book: The Bunk Bed Book: 115 Bunks Lofts, Lofts and Cozy Nooks. "These are the beds used in hotels, so they're made to last."

This trundle design from Bed Bath & Beyond is perfect for shoppers who are looking for a bunk bed that will expand with their children. It can be transformed into two twin beds, one for tweens, and the other one for teenagers. It's the only bunk bed that isn't wood bed on this list, and its sturdy steel frame is surprisingly lightweight for such a large piece of furniture. It is available in a variety of colors, and can be customized with accessories like under-bed drawers.

Style

Bunk beds come in different sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that suits your family's space. There are a variety of configurations, such as the classic twin-over-twin bunks, or beds that are specialized like twin-over queen or queen-over twin. Some are made of metal, while others are wood and have side rails for the top bunk. The design of the frame as well as other features can also vary and you'll need to think about the amount of storage you'll need and what general style you prefer.

When you are considering the price, bear in mind that the greater the price of a bunk bed the more customizable it will be, Klugh says. This could mean adding accessories such as a staircase or ladder. It could also refer to the ability to add an trundle bed that makes it easy for guests or sleepovers. Some models can be disassembled to function as two separate beds--a convenient feature if you anticipate that your children will outgrow the bunk beds or you are planning on moving to a different home in the near future.

The number of beds you select will also impact the price and style. For example, you might choose a basic twin over twin bunk bed that maximizes the floor space and is affordable. You can also invest more money in a solid-wood bunk bed with an elegant, sturdy design that will grow with your children and possibly accommodate adult sleepers in the future.

Whatever size and design you choose regardless of the design and size, you must check the capacity to bear weight of the bunk beds best bunk beds to ensure they can accommodate the number of people you'll be using them for. Some bunk beds are only made for children and only support up to 165 pounds. Others have higher limits and can be used by adults and children who are growing.

Finally, it's worth noting that a bunk bed could be a major investment and, therefore, a major commitment. If you're not sure whether a bunk bed is right for your family, check out the showroom of a retailer or read reviews of customers on their website. This will give a good idea of the quality and craftsmanship of the bunk beds.

Stores

Modern living requires furniture to be more than merely used as a space to sleep, study, and relax. Bunk beds that feature built-in storage solutions meet this demand, transforming them into multi-purpose pieces that exemplify both function and design. Multifunctional staircases and integrated storage drawers are innovative features that allow for easy access to toys, clothing and bed linens.

Additionally, loft beds that boast spacious desks turn the space below them into a productive workspace. These smart arrangements allow young students or remote workers to balance work, play, and sleep without sacrificing floor space.

Another option that is useful is detachable bunks that are separated into separate twin beds, ideal to accommodate guests at sleepovers or allowing kids to change to single beds as they develop. Bunks with removable trundle beds can also accommodate older adults or children who prefer to sleep on a mattress that is large enough.

Furthermore, bunk beds that can allow for sleeping three, four, or more are a good investment for families looking to maximize space in bedrooms with high ceilings. These models can be tucked away in small spaces, allowing owners to make the most of space that could otherwise be wasted.

The type of material and the color your bunk bed is constructed from will impact its overall look and feel. Wood bunks have a classic, timeless appeal that fits well into contemporary, coastal and farmhouse interiors. Steel bunks are an innovative alternative that is a good match for midcentury and industrial designs.

When choosing a bunk bed, consider the ceiling height of your house and any nearby windows or other architectural features. Smaller, smaller designs can be more simple to assemble and are ideal for teens or children who are ready to graduate from the toddler or junior bedroom. While taller bunks provide an elegant, airier look and are better suited for older children or adults. Some designs also come with side railings, which allow for a higher clearance between beds, which ensures safety and easy access for everyone.